Busy Bee

I’ve been a busy bee and just finished another product.  I’m trying to get my feet wet on the TpT website.  I’m hoping to really make an impact with some of the products that I have created and I LOVE the idea that teachers are buying resources from each other and not large corporations and textbook companies. 

As an aside…I miss my kids so much!  I can’t wait to get back to school and give them all a really big squeeze. 

So here is the newest. 

As always you can find it at my TpT store.....HERE!!

Till next time!  

Miss Pam

Read with me! - Continued

There have been many different approaches to teaching children how to read.  I personally believe that a balanced approach is best.  I mentioned in my last post that reading with your kids is essential.  In addition to reading quality books to them and with them it is very beneficial for children to learn and memorize sight words that build fluency.

One way to do this is by playing games.  I created a game for Grade 1 students to practice their sight words and have a little fun at the same time.  

Check it our at my TpT store here!!

Once again...more to come.

Miss Pam

Read with me!

My students love to read! This thrills me. I often find them before school starts with their noses in books and sharing information they have discovered with each other.  One way that we try to encourage reading for pleasure is to read with our pre-k book buddies.  What I find most refreshing is that even those children who struggle the most with reading are suddenly more confident and try their very best to read to their partner. 

Here are a few pictures of the kids reading with their buddies. 

Another tool that I use to encourage reading is by making it a priority in our Literacy work.  In our class we try to do centers every day for 40 to 60 minutes.  Each child has a center checklist that they complete throughout the week and turn in on Friday.  The best part, in my opinion, is that they are learning to work independently and to be responsible for their work until it is turned in at the end of the week.  Two key attributes of the PYP learner profile...independent and responsible.  =0)

You can find this checklist and download it for free at my teacher store

 here. 

Reading is the passport to opportunity. It takes your child places they may never get to see or experience otherwise.  Part of developing open-minded and tolerant students is the use of rich and wonderful literature.  So keep reading with your kids!!

Until Next time!

Miss Pam

Unit of Inquiry

It's been a long time and I'm embarrased to say that I don't have a proper excuse. The holidays came and went and the first 5 weeks back are almost over. In our class we have been working on our third unit of inquiry; The Solar System. We have had such an incredible time working together to make connections and gain knowledge. The kids have been expert inquirers. In fact they are asking more questions than I know what to do with. I refer them back to books and the internet on a daily basis and ask them to come back to class and share what they have found.

Our lines of inquiry are:
1. The characteristics of the Solar System
2. The movement of the Earth, Sun and Moon
3. Earth compared to other space objects
4. Exploration of the Solar System

I was surprised that my kids knew so much about the solar system to start with. We made sure to record exactly what we knew before starting. Next we discussed what we wanted to learn about and let that guide our inquiry lines.

The connections that are happening and the action that is taking place have really been exciting to watch. One student brought her telescope to class while others have brought literature and news clippings from home.

Here are some pictures from our wonderful unit.

We worked with our pre-k buddies and together made Moon Rocks. The kids had so much fun and practiced following written directions at the same time.

They loved getting their hands dirty!


This is what they looked like when we were done.


More to come shortly!! =0)

Camp Verbier

One of the most obvious difference between schools in the States and schools here in Switzerland is the legal culture regarding school outings and trips. Going to camp and on over-night field trips is part of the culture and is valued as an essential part of the curriculum.

My class got the chance to go on Camp for the first time as it is only for grade 3 and up. The excitement was palpable and the kids were so eager and excited.

We went to a camp in Verbier, Switzerland. Verbier is in the French speaking part of Switzerland and nestled in the Alps. The views are incredible as is the hospitality of the locals. The camp we attended is called Les Elves and the staff was brilliant with the children and the staff. In fact, they provided a couple bottles of Wine every night after lights out for the teachers to enjoy. Of course the culture with regards to Alcohol is much more relaxed in Switzerland. It is not uncommon to have alcohol at staff events after school.

We were at Camp for 5 days. We met at the train station Monday morning and said goodbye to parents and proceeded to take four trains and one bus to make it to our destination. The trip was great but very hectic as we left during rush hour. It was difficult getting 56 children and 8 adults with all the luggage onto the train in the few minutes it stops at the station.

Our week was filled with lots of fun. We went hiking and had bbq's. We visited a local Zoo and saw wildlife from the area (including a Lynx which connected wonderfully to our endangered species unit). We had fun game nights with staff, rock climbing and ropes course outings. The entire week was a total smash!!

One of the PYP learner profiles is to be a Risk-Taker. It was fabulous to see my kids really getting a chance to be risk-takers in new situations. Some had never been away from their parents over-night, or been in a situation that was so new and foreign. But they all did brilliantly.

As part of the curriculum we try to make reflection on learning a daily habit. Camp was no different and kids took time to write in their camp journals and reflect while the events were still fresh in their memories. Here are some of what they said:

"Today I rock climbed for the first time ever! I got to try the easy, middle and challenging way up. The man was very nice and helped me a great deal. I can't wait to come here next year."

"The ropes course is my favorite thing I ever have done. I was so scared at first but after I tried it then it was so much fun. The zip line was sooooo scarry. I was thinking that I would fall but I was a risktaker and did it and it was good."

"Camp is the funnest camp I have been going to. I hope I get to be going again next year."

"Miss Pam helped us in the music game last night. She knew most of the songs and we almost won. Then we played musical chairs and I got out right away. It was so much fun but the food is not so good."